Hiring a cleaner can save you hours of time and bring real peace of mind—if you choose the right person or company. The flip side is also true: the wrong hire can lead to missed expectations, awkward communication, inconsistent work, or even costly damage. If you want to feel confident before handing over a key or letting someone into your space, keep an eye out for these common red flags.

? 1. No Insurance or Licensing

Why it’s a red flag

Insurance and licensing aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re your safety net.

• If something gets damaged, like a scratched floor, broken vase, or stained countertop, liability insurance is what covers repairs or replacement.
  
• If someone gets injured on your property, worker’s compensation (for companies with employees) can help ensure you aren’t put in a messy position.
  
• If licensing or registration is required in your area, a cleaner who ignores it may also be cutting corners elsewhere—training, safety, quality control, or accountability.
  

Even if the cleaner is honest and careful, accidents happen. Without coverage, you may be stuck paying out of pocket—or dealing with disputes that are hard to resolve.

What to look for

When you’re interviewing cleaners, ask for clear proof of coverage and legitimacy. A professional should be able to provide:

• General liability insurance (covers damage to your home and belongings)
  
• Business license or registration (where applicable)
  
• Worker’s compensation (especially if it’s a team or a company with employees)
  
• Bonding (optional, but a plus) (extra protection in case of theft)
  

Tip: If they say they’re insured but can’t show documentation, treat it as not insured until proven otherwise.

What it can look like in real life

Here are subtle signs that insurance/licensing might be missing:

• They respond vaguely: “Don’t worry, we’ve never had issues.”
  
• They change the subject when you ask for proof.
  
• They claim they’re insured “through the app” or “through a partner” but can’t explain what that means.
  
• They offer a steep discount if you pay cash and skip paperwork.
  

Those aren’t automatically deal-breakers, but they’re strong cues to slow down and verify.

How to check quickly (without being awkward)

You don’t need to interrogate anyone—keep it simple and routine:

• “Can you send me your proof of liability insurance?”
  
• “Do you have a business registration or license number I can note down?”
  
• “If a cleaner gets hurt here, are you covered by worker’s comp?”
  

If it’s a company, you can also request a Certificate of Insurance (COI)—this is a standard document and takes them minutes to provide.

Pro tip

Ask for documentation before you schedule the first clean, not after. It’s much easier to walk away early than to untangle issues later. A professional won’t take it personally—this is standard practice, and it signals you’re a serious, responsible client.

? 2. No Reviews or Poor Online Reputation

Why it’s a red flag

When you’re inviting someone into your home or business, reputation is one of the strongest trust signals you have. A cleaning service with no online footprint at all may be brand new—or it may be intentionally avoiding accountability. On the other hand, a long pattern of negative reviews often points to deeper issues like unreliability, poor communication, or unprofessional conduct.

Reviews don’t just reflect cleaning quality. They often reveal how a company handles:

• Missed appointments
  
• Damaged items
  
• Billing disputes
  
• Customer complaints
  

How a business behaves after something goes wrong is just as important as how well they clean.

What to look for

A trustworthy cleaner or company usually has:

• Verified reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook
  
• Consistent feedback over time (not all posted within the same week)
  
• Specific details in reviews (what was cleaned, how the staff behaved, punctuality, etc.)
  
• Professional responses to negative reviews that show accountability and problem-solving
  

Bonus points if you see repeat customers mentioning long-term satisfaction.

Red flag examples

Watch out for patterns like:

• ? Only 5-star reviews with no written feedback — this can indicate fake or incentivized reviews
  
• ? Multiple complaints about the same issue, such as no-shows, last-minute cancellations, or rushed jobs
  
• ? No response to negative reviews, or defensive, hostile replies from the business
  
• ? Frequent name changes or multiple listings with slightly different business names
  

One bad review isn’t a deal-breaker—but repeated complaints about the same problem usually are.

How to do a quick credibility check

You don’t need to become a detective—just take a few minutes to:

• Search the business name + “reviews”
  
• Sort reviews by most recent, not just highest-rated
  
• Skim the lowest-rated reviews to spot recurring themes
  
• Ask the cleaner directly: “Do you have reviews or references I can look at?”
  

A reputable cleaner will gladly point you to testimonials or happy clients.

Pro tip

If a cleaner has limited online reviews but comes highly recommended by someone you trust, that can still be a good sign. Just balance personal referrals with a clear contract and trial cleaning before committing long-term.

? 3. Vague or No Pricing Structure

Why it’s a red flag

Clear pricing sets expectations—for both you and the cleaner. When pricing is vague, constantly changing, or explained only verbally, it opens the door to misunderstandings, surprise charges, and uncomfortable disputes.

Unclear pricing can also signal poor organization or lack of experience. Professionals know their costs and can explain them confidently.

What to look for

Before you hire, you should be able to clearly answer:

• Is the service hourly or flat-rate?
  
• What does the price include (supplies, deep cleaning, add-ons)?
  
• Are there extra fees for pets, heavy buildup, or special requests?
  
• What happens if the job takes longer than expected?
  

Ideally, you’ll receive:

• A written quote or estimate
  
• A service checklist or scope of work
• Clear payment terms (when and how you pay)
  

Red flag examples

Be cautious if a cleaner:

• Avoids giving a price until after the job is done
  
• Changes the rate without explanation
  
• Quotes extremely low prices that seem too good to be true
  
• Can’t explain what’s included in a “standard clean”
  
• Adds surprise fees after arrival
  

These issues often lead to frustration—even if the cleaning itself is decent.

How to protect yourself

• Ask for pricing in writing, even for one-time cleans
  
• Confirm whether supplies and equipment are included
  
• Request a walkthrough or questionnaire before finalizing the quote
  
• Start with a trial cleaning before committing to a recurring schedule
  

Pro tip

The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Consistent quality, reliability, and clear communication are often worth paying a little more for—especially when it comes to your home or workplace.

? 4. No Background Checks on Employees

Why it’s a red flag

Cleaning is one of the few services where someone may be alone in your home, around your belongings, and sometimes with access to keys, entry codes, or alarm instructions. If a company doesn’t screen its staff, you’re taking on unnecessary risk—especially with theft, property damage, or personal safety concerns.

Even when nothing “bad” happens, a lack of vetting can show up as smaller issues: careless behavior, poor boundaries, or unprofessional conduct. A reputable service should be able to explain how they hire, screen, and supervise their team.

What to look for

Strong signs you’re dealing with a professional operation:

• Background checks (criminal history checks are the common baseline)
  
• Reference checks or prior employment verification
  
• Employee training (safe chemical use, surfaces, sanitation standards, customer privacy)
  
• Clear supervision or quality control (checklists, inspections, follow-up)
  
• Stable staff (long-tenured employees and consistent team assignments)
  

Red flag examples

• “We don’t do background checks—it’s too expensive.”
  
• They refuse to answer questions about hiring practices.
  
• They frequently rotate new people through your home with no notice.
  
• They rely only on “independent contractors” but can’t explain accountability if something goes wrong.
  

Pro tip

Ask directly: “Do you run background checks on every cleaner who enters a client’s home?” If they say yes, it’s reasonable to follow up with: “Is that done through your company, and do you verify identities?” A trustworthy company won’t get defensive.

? 5. Lack of Cleaning Supplies or Equipment

Why it’s a red flag

A cleaner who arrives empty-handed or expects to borrow your supplies may be inexperienced, disorganized, or cutting corners. It can also lead to inconsistent results—because they’re adapting to whatever random products you have on hand.

There are a few legitimate exceptions (some clients prefer all products be provided due to allergies, fragrance sensitivity, or specific surface requirements). The issue isn’t always that they don’t bring supplies—it’s when it’s unexpected, uncommunicated, or habitual.

What to look for

A professional cleaner typically:

• Brings basic tools (vacuum, mop, microfiber cloths, brushes, disinfectant, glass cleaner)
  
• Uses clean, well-maintained equipment (not smelly rags or worn-out tools)
  
• Offers eco-friendly or fragrance-free options if requested
  
• Asks in advance about preferences like:
  
• “Do you want fragrance-free products?”
  
• “Any surfaces we should avoid certain chemicals on?”
  
• “Do you have stone countertops, hardwood floors, or special finishes?”
  

Red flag examples

• They show up and immediately ask: “Do you have paper towels, bleach, a vacuum, and a mop?”
  
• They mix random products without knowing what your surfaces can handle.
  
• They reuse dirty cloths from room to room (cross-contamination risk).
  
• They use harsh chemicals without asking—especially around kids, pets, or food-prep areas.
  

Pro tip

Before the first cleaning, ask: “What supplies and equipment do you bring, and what—if anything—do you expect me to provide?” Getting that answered upfront prevents awkwardness on day one.

? 6. No Contract or Service Agreement

Why it’s a red flag

A contract isn’t about being “formal”—it’s about clarity. Without something in writing, it’s easy for expectations to drift. You might assume baseboards are included; they might assume they’re an add-on. You might think the rate is flat; they might charge extra for certain rooms. That’s how disagreements start.

A written agreement protects both sides by spelling out what’s being done, when, how much it costs, and what happens if something goes wrong.

What to look for

Even a simple service agreement should include:

• Scope of work (what’s included, what’s excluded, add-ons)
  
• Pricing and payment terms (flat-rate vs hourly, due dates, fees)
  
• Schedule and frequency (weekly/biweekly/monthly, arrival windows)
  
• Cancellation/rescheduling policy (notice required, late-cancel fees)
  
• Damage policy (how claims are handled, timeframe to report issues)
  
• Satisfaction guarantee (do they re-clean if something was missed?)
  

If it’s a one-time cleaning, a written quote plus a checklist can be enough. For recurring service, a more detailed agreement is ideal.

Red flag examples

• “We don’t do paperwork—just text me.”
  
• They won’t confirm the scope, price, or schedule in writing.
  
• Policies change depending on who you talk to.
  
• They promise a “guarantee” but won’t define what it means.
  

Pro tip

If they don’t have a formal contract, ask for an email or message that confirms the basics: scope, rate, timing, cancellation policy, and damage resolution. If they resist even that, it’s a strong sign to move on.

? 7. Unprofessional Communication

Why it’s a red flag

How a cleaner communicates before you hire them is usually the best preview of what working with them will feel like later. Slow replies, unclear answers, or a dismissive tone often translate into real-world problems: missed appointments, confusion about what’s included, and difficulty resolving issues if something goes wrong.

Good cleaning is important—but reliability is what makes a service worth keeping. And reliability starts with communication.

What it can look like

Unprofessional communication isn’t always obvious. Watch for patterns like:

• Late or inconsistent replies (e.g., you wait days for basic answers)
  
• Vague responses to straightforward questions (“We’ll see when we get there.”)
  
• No confirmation messages for appointment times or pricing
  
• Rude, impatient, or defensive tone when you ask about policies
  
• Last-minute changes without explanation or apology
  

One delayed reply happens to everyone. The concern is when it feels like you’re chasing them just to get basic information.

What to look for

Reliable cleaners typically show professionalism in small ways:

• Prompt replies (even if it’s just: “Got your message—replying shortly.”)
• Clear, direct answers about pricing, scope, and scheduling
  
• Polite and respectful tone
  
• Willingness to answer questions without making you feel difficult
  
• Written confirmations (date/time, address, scope, total cost or estimate)
  

A good sign: they ask you smart questions too (pets, allergies, priorities, problem areas). That shows they’re planning for a smooth clean—not guessing on arrival.

Pro tip

Pay attention to how they handle a small hiccup during the hiring stage. If they’re late replying once but apologize and follow through, that’s very different from someone who ignores you or blames you. How they fix problems matters as much as whether problems happen.

? Bonus Tips: How to Choose a Reliable Cleaner

Here are a few simple steps that dramatically improve your odds of finding a cleaner you’ll actually want to keep.

1) Ask for references (and ask the right questions)

If possible, speak with one or two past or current clients. Helpful questions:

• “Are they consistently on time?”
  
• “Do they communicate clearly if plans change?”
  
• “How do they handle missed spots or feedback?”
  
• “Have you ever had an issue with damage—and if so, how was it resolved?”
  

Even a quick text reference can tell you a lot.

2) Start small before committing

Instead of jumping into weekly or biweekly service, consider:

• A one-time clean
  
• A trial month
  
• Or a smaller scope first (e.g., bathrooms + kitchen)
  

This lets you evaluate quality, punctuality, and professionalism with less risk.

3) Read the fine print (especially cancellations and guarantees)

Before you book, make sure you understand:

• How much notice is required to cancel or reschedule
  
• Whether deposits are refundable
  
• What their satisfaction policy actually includes (re-clean window, reporting timeframe)
  

If it’s not in writing, ask them to confirm via email or message.

4) Check industry affiliations (nice-to-have, not required)

Membership in professional organizations can be a positive signal because it suggests they’re serious about standards and continuing education.

Not being a member doesn’t mean they’re bad—but if they are affiliated, it’s another trust point.

5) Look for systems, not just promises

Reliable services usually have simple systems in place:

• checklists
  
• arrival windows
  
• clear pricing
  
• written policies
  
• consistent teams
  

A cleaner who says “We’ll take care of everything” is great—a cleaner who can explain how is even better.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right cleaner is about more than price—it’s about trust, professionalism, and peace of mind. If you notice red flags like weak reviews, vague pricing, no screening, or poor communication, it’s often worth walking away early.

The best cleaning services make the process feel simple: clear expectations, consistent results, and easy communication. When you find that, you’re not just paying for a clean space—you’re buying back time and reducing stress.

Looking for a Cleaner You Can Actually Trust?

Hiring a cleaner shouldn’t feel like a gamble. At CorpClean, professionalism, transparency, and reliability aren’t optional—they’re standard.

From fully insured and background-checked staff to clear scopes of work, consistent communication, and proven systems, CorpClean helps businesses and workplaces avoid the common pitfalls that lead to frustration and disappointment. You’ll know exactly who’s entering your space, what’s being cleaned, and what to expect—every time.

If you’re ready for a cleaning service that delivers peace of mind along with consistently high standards, CorpClean is here to help.

? Learn more about CorpClean’s professional cleaning services
https://www.corpclean.com.au/